Spokane County CEO, human resources director to retire

Two key Spokane County officials are retiring later this year: Spokane County CEO Gerry Gemmill and Human Resources Director Tim Hansen.

Hansen, who has served as director of Human Resources since 2016, will stay with the county until May 1, according to Spokane County spokesman Jared Webley. Gemmill, who has been with the county for 40 years, will work until June 30.

"Gerry's unique first-hand perspective as a long-time employee and his commitment to the people of Spokane County will be sorely missed," Al French, chair of the Spokane County Board of Commissioners, says in the release. "He has done a great job of guiding his fellow employees at the County through some challenging times. Gerry leaves big shoes to fill and a legacy of compassion, determination, and honesty."

"We’re wishing Tim [Hansen] a happy retirement," county spokesman Webley says. "He’s put in a lot of years in at the county."

Recruiting efforts for both positions are currently underway. The county has hired Prothman, a consulting firm specializing in national and regional recruiting for county and city executive positions, to help run the search for Gemmill's replacement, per a Feb. 12 news release. The first review of applications will occur on March 22.

In addition to the upcoming retirements, Tonya Wallace, Spokane County's chief budget officer, was recently tapped by Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward to work in her administration, leaving yet another high-level job vacancy at the county. A replacement for her position has not yet been identified, according to Webley.